House of #EdTech

Christopher J. Nesi - Education Podcast Network

Step into the future of education with House of #EdTech, your gateway to the latest trends and developments in education technology. Join Chris Nesi, a seasoned educator and edtech enthusiast, as he delves into the world of innovative tools, inspiring strategies, and thought-provoking discussions with pioneers in the field. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your edtech journey, House of #EdTech has something for everyone. read less
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Episodes

How to Use EdTech for Project-Based Learning - HoET242
Mar 3 2024
How to Use EdTech for Project-Based Learning - HoET242
Explore how integrating technology into PBL can enhance the learning experience, making it more accessible, engaging, and impactful for students. #EdTech Thought: Are You Really Trying? In this segment, I ask myself if I am doing all that I could be doing because I am experiencing some self-doubt. #EdTech Recommendation: Brisk Teaching Discover Brisk Teaching, a free AI-powered Chrome extension designed to save teachers time. With features like personalized material creation, targeted feedback, and AI writing detection, Brisk Teaching is revolutionizing the way educators approach lesson planning and student interaction. Learn more and download Brisk Teaching from the Chrome Web Store. Featured Content: How to Use EdTech for Project-Based Learning Explore the transformative power of integrating technology into project-based learning. We discuss how EdTech tools can provide students with access to diverse resources, facilitate collaboration, and offer innovative ways to showcase their learning. From the planning stages to assessment, discover how technology can make PBL more accessible, dynamic, and impactful. How do we choose the right edtech tools for our project? Here are some tips: Tech Must Align with Learning Objectives: Ensure that the tool supports the goals of your project. If you're focusing on data analysis, a tool like Google Sheets might be more appropriate than video editing software.Consider Age Appropriateness: The tools should be suitable for the age group of your students. It should have an intuitive interface and appropriate safety features.Check for Collaboration Features: Since PBL is all about teamwork, look for tools that facilitate collaboration. Features like real-time editing, commenting, and sharing are essential.Evaluate Accessibility: Ensure that the tool is accessible to all students. It should work on various devices and platforms, as not all students may have access to the latest technology.Assess Cost and Privacy: Be mindful of the tool's cost and its privacy policies. Many tools offer free versions for educators, but make sure they comply with your school's data privacy regulations. Resources mentioned: Trello: A project management tool that allows users to organize tasks, set deadlines, and collaborate with team members.Asana: A web and mobile application designed to help teams organize, track, and manage their work.Google Docs: A web-based word processor that allows real-time collaboration and sharing of documents.Google Keep: A note-taking service included as part of the free, web-based Google Docs Editors suite offered by Google.Canva: An online design and publishing tool that allows users to create graphics, presentations, and other visual content.Flip (formerly Flipgrid): A video discussion platform that allows students to create and share short videos on various topics.Miro: A visual workspace for innovation where teams manage projects, design products, and build the future together.Padlet: Make beautiful boards to collect, organize, and present anything.Zotero: A free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research. Just Give It A Try - Bonus Recommendation! Tired of formatting issues when copying and pasting from AI tools like ChatGPT? Check out the Google Docs add-on "Markdown to Docs" to effortlessly convert markdown formatting into traditional document formatting.
Bridging the Digital Divide: Exploring Equity and Access in Education - HoET241
Feb 5 2024
Bridging the Digital Divide: Exploring Equity and Access in Education - HoET241
Introduction: Special mentions: Happy Birthday to Christie Cloud & Glenn Robbins.Platform updates: RadioPublic & Google Podcasts are shutting down! Visit chrisnesi.com/follow to find a new podcast listening app! #EdTech Recommendations: The Magazine Rack: A vast collection of digitized magazines. Access here: The Magazine RackClassroomscreen: A versatile tool for teachers, offering a customizable browser tab for classroom management. Free with daily resets, paid version available for saving setups. Learn more at ClassroomscreenAI Created Jeopardy: Create engaging Jeopardy games using AI at ALMANACK.ai. Free account available.AskYourPDF.com: A resource for PDF queries and information based on PDF files you provide. Featured Content: The Need for Digital Equity: Revisiting the conversation from episode 210, delving into why digital equity and access are critical in education. I dive into the critical issue of digital equity and access in education. As our world becomes increasingly digitized, the necessity for equal access to technology and internet connectivity in learning environments has never been more vital. I kick off the episode by defining what digital equity and access truly mean and why they're essential components of modern education. The conversation then shifts to the stark realities of the digital divide, as we explore how disparities in access impact student learning and success, sharing compelling real-life examples. The journey continues as I tackle the challenges schools and communities face in providing equal digital access. I discuss various obstacles, from funding to infrastructure. Policy and advocacy take center stage in another segment, where I delve into how educational policies can influence and improve digital equity. Finally, I look into the future, speculating on emerging trends and the evolution of digital equity. This segment is a call to action, encouraging listeners to consider their role in advocating for and contributing to a future where digital access is a given for every student. Just Give It A Try: Inspiring Thoughts Daily: A daily motivational podcast by ME. Get your daily dose of inspiration at Inspiring Thoughts Daily
Essential Skills for Students in the AI Era - HoET240
Jan 21 2024
Essential Skills for Students in the AI Era - HoET240
Discover the key skills for thriving in an AI-centric educational landscape. This episode offers insightful thoughts on integrating technical, cognitive, and socio-emotional skills into teaching, preparing students for a AI-driven future. #EdTech Thought - January Pick-Me-Up As teachers, you are more than just instructors; you are mentors, guides, and sometimes even friends to your students. Your resilience and dedication, often unnoticed, are crucial in shaping not just individual lives but entire societies. This segment serves as a reminder of the immense impact educators have beyond just academic teaching. #EdTech Recommendation - QR Codes on Your Classroom Door Monica Burns' recent post, 12 TIPS FOR CLASSROOM DOOR DECORATIONS WITH QR CODES has inspired me, and I've added four more innovative uses for QR codes on your classroom door. These include a Feedback or Suggestion Box, Class Blog or Website, Daily Inspirational Quotes, and Audio Messages. These tools are designed to enhance communication and inspiration in the classroom. Featured Content I explore the essential skills students need to thrive in the AI era. These skills range from technical proficiencies like understanding AI and machine learning to socio-emotional skills such as collaboration and emotional intelligence. The content aims to prepare educators to equip students for a rapidly changing future that is integrated with AI. These skills include understanding AI and machine learning, programming, data literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, innovation, collaboration, emotional intelligence, digital literacy, and cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of self-motivated learning and resilience, skills that are essential for lifelong learning in a technology-centric world. With educational systems incorporating these skills into curricula, this episode is a must-listen for educators, parents, and students preparing for a future workforce dominated by AI. Just Give It A Try Join our new texting community on GroupMe! This is a free platform that I'm using with my Rutgers classes this semester. To join, visit https://chrisnesi.com/textme. Remember, I will be shutting down the Remind group at the end of February 2024, so make sure to switch over to stay connected.
BONUS: Celebrating 10 Years of House of #EdTech
Jan 5 2024
BONUS: Celebrating 10 Years of House of #EdTech
Intro Welcome to a special bonus episode of House of #EdTech, where I'm celebrating a remarkable 10-year journey! My Memories of the Last 10 Years Reflecting on a decade of growth, challenges, and triumphs.The evolution of educational technology over these years. Inspiration for the Show Sharing the spark that ignited the idea for House of #EdTech. Recording and Publishing That First Episode The excitement and nervousness of bringing the first episode to life.Overcoming initial hurdles and learning along the way. House of #EdTech - episode 1 A nostalgic snippet from the very first episode. Favorite Episodes 3 - Joe Iacono14, 52, 54, 66, 76, 92, 138 - Katelyn117, 137 - Miles100, 108 - Dad59 - Stacey & AJ Interviewed Me By the Numbers 10 Years = 120 months, 521 weeks, 3,652 days, 87,648 hours, 5,258,880 minutes, 315,532,800 seconds.239 official episodes.1,457,893 total downloads. Awesome Supporters Expressing heartfelt gratitude to all supporters.Jeff Herb - 1st supporter, sticking with us for 211 episodes.Leo Calbusch - Our latest awesome supporter.Acknowledging former and current Awesome Supporters.Special mention to Stacey Lindes - my 1st fan.Derek Larson - Fill-in host and the creator of the Smackdown sheet. Because of HoET... How HoET gave me the confidence to put my voice out there.Believing in the value of what I have to say. Awards 2015 Educator's Voice2016 EdTech Digest Leadership Award2018 EdTech Digest Top-100 EdTech Influencer2019 K-12 Education 30 Must-Follow IT Influencer2021 Learning Ladders Best Educational Podcaster Travel and Conferences Memorable trips to Utah, Alabama.Experiences at EdCamps, NJECC, ISTE, and Podcast Movement Rutgers Professor since 2016 The journey of becoming and being a professor at Rutgers. The Pod Journal A dive into the creation and impact of The Pod Journal. I Like to Podcast and You Will Too! Discussing my guide to podcasting and its influence. Purchase your copy! Education Podcast Network The growth and success of the Education Podcast Network. Podcast Editor Role and experiences as a podcast editor for: Google Teacher PodcastPartial CreditAssist Learning PodcastThe Infused Classroom PodcastZebra Podcast Network PodcastPDChase for 28Knock Knock, Who's There?Behind the Mic: Voices of the EPNInspiring Thoughts Daily
The Great Cell Phone Debate - HoET238
Dec 17 2023
The Great Cell Phone Debate - HoET238
Feedback & Shout Outs Stephanie Skrocki - Thank you for the email re: Episode 237 Featured Content Welcome to Episode 238 of the House of #EdTech Podcast! In this episode, I share my recent appearance on an episode of Teachers on Fire, hosted by Tim Cavey. I participated in a live debate addressing a highly relevant topic in education: "Should student phones be banned from our K-12 schools?" I debated Dr. Matt Rhoads, who brought his extensive experience in education and technology to this thought-provoking discussion. Debate Overview: The debate revolves around using cell phones in K-12 educational settings, weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Our guests offer diverse viewpoints: My Perspective: Advocating against banning cell phones, I emphasizes the importance of leveraging these powerful tools for learning and teaching responsible digital citizenship. I highlighted the potential of cell phones for research, collaboration, creativity, and communication. Dr. Matt Rhoads's Viewpoint: Supporting the ban, Dr. Rhoads underscores concerns about declining academic performance, mental health crises, cyberbullying, and distractions caused by cell phones. He argues for using school-issued devices to teach digital citizenship while maintaining a focused learning environment. Discussion Highlights: Learning Tools vs. Distractions: The debate delves into whether cell phones are indispensable educational tools or sources of distraction and decline in academic performance. Digital Citizenship and Responsibility: I argue that school cell phones offer opportunities to teach digital responsibility, while Matt suggests that the risks outweigh the benefits. Mental Health and Bullying: Matt raises concerns about the impact of cell phones on student mental health and bullying, advocating for a safer school environment free from these influences. Communication and Safety: The conversation touches on the role of cell phones in ensuring student safety and communication, especially in emergencies. Conclusion: The episode concludes without a definitive resolution but provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of both sides. The guests agree on the need for community involvement in decision-making regarding technology in schools. Connect with Tim and Matt Tim Cavey - https://www.youtube.com/@TeachersOnFireDr. Matt Rhoads - https://matthewrhoads.com/
Technology in Your Classroom: Friend or Foe? - HoET237
Nov 27 2023
Technology in Your Classroom: Friend or Foe? - HoET237
Feedback & Shout Outs Xhausted Educators RechargED with Kyle Hill - November 2Teachers on Fire - December 16, 2023House of #EdTech Smackdown Featured Content Managing student technology use is crucial for productive, engaged classrooms. Learn vetted tips for setting screen guidelines, dealing with digital distraction, limiting off-task time, and bolstering curriculum through IT best practices across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Whether you're striving for targeted 1:1 implementation or just troubleshooting bring your own device policies, this engaging episode breaks down research and hard-won experience on everything from monitoring software to incentivization tactics. Tune into this insightful discussion evaluating real-world policies, responsible use contracts, tablet time allocation, charging stations, music listening policies, and more. With balanced takeaways across all K-12 environments, educators leave equipped to reinforce digital citizenship, nurture creativity, and build life-ready skills. Think about... How can teachers set clear expectations around learning-focused tech use across grade levels?What troubleshooting tips help minimize digital distractions and reign in device misuse?What creative incentives motivate students to self-monitor and stay engaged during tech-based activities?How can device policies balance educational value, productivity, and age-appropriate online access?What best practices allow students to leverage technology for collaboration, creation, and enhanced learning?
Moving AI Forward In Education - HoET236
Nov 13 2023
Moving AI Forward In Education - HoET236
Feedback & Shout Outs EdCamp New Jersey 2023 will take place on Sat., November 18, 2023. Learn more and register here. EdTech Thought Banning Cell Phones in K-12 Schools is Dumb Cell Phones are Essential Learning Tools Cell phones keep students connected, informed, and able to respond to emergencies. They enable access to educational apps, websites, and digital knowledge.When used responsibly, cell phones can be powerful learning aids for interactive polling, collaborative research, multimedia projects, and more. Banning Phones Assumes the Worst in Students Prohibiting cell phones shows a lack of trust in students and breeds resentment. It punishes all for the mistakes of a few.Students need to learn self-control and responsible technology use. Banning drives phone use underground. Schools Should Evolve with the Times The world is digital now. Students must learn to navigate this landscape. Banning phones does not help.Cell phones allow students to participate more actively in class, pursue passions, and connect learning to real-world issues. Work With Students, Not Against Them Set ground rules together for healthy phone use instead of an outright ban.Leverage technology to create an engaging, relevant learning experience.Partner with students to unlock the academic potential of cell phones. Featured Content I attended the AI in Education Conference recently and I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Robert Zywicky, Dr. Richard Tomko, and Stanley Buchesky about the future of AI in K12 schools and the need for moving AI forward now and in 2024. In this conversation we discussed: Their visions for AI in educationThe role of Computer Science in AI in educationTheir predictions for the next year or so as it relates to AI in education.
Overwhelmed by AI? Here's How to Deal - HoET235
Oct 30 2023
Overwhelmed by AI? Here's How to Deal - HoET235
Feedback & Shout Outs Email from Christine McCormick - I just finished listening to your Podcast on using AI as your new teaching assistant and I wanted to say thank you!!  I am a district office admin and find that my administrators are struggling with the balance of using AI as a resource because of their fear about cheating or some other devilish consequences.  I am facilitating a workshop in early November focusing on using AI for the power of good.  Thanks for adding to my thinking with your Podcast and I will share it as a great resource in my training. I don't know how I would do my job if I didn't take advantage of how CHAT GPT does the initial thinking for many routine tasks.   I now think....could I use CHAT GPT for this before I over think! Thanks again! EdTech Recommendation I cover the top 5 free screen recording programs for capturing footage from your computer screen. It counts down the top options, including ShareX, Flashback Express, NVIDIA ShadowPlay/AMD ReLive, ScreenRec, and OBS Studio. I talk about the key features, benefits, and limitations of each program. Featured Content Overcoming AI Overwhelm as an Educator Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, bringing new opportunities and challenges for educators. It's normal to feel overwhelmed! In this episode, I discuss strategies to help you embrace AI's potential without being buried by it. Why Educators Feel Overwhelmed by AI AI evolves quickly, so it's hard to stay current.AI is often presented as a magic solution, creating unrealistic expectations.Many educators don't know how to implement AI tools.AI's capabilities seem intimidating. Biggest AI Opportunities for Educators Personalized learning - AI can customize materials for each student's needs.Automating tasks - AI can handle grading and feedback, freeing up teachers.Real-time feedback - Students get instant input on work through AI.Increased engagement - AI adds interactivity and simulations to lessons. How to Avoid Being Left Behind Follow AI thought leaders and publications.Take online courses on implementing AI.Join educator communities sharing AI best practices.Start small by using AI to automate routine tasks.Collaborate with peers already using AI. AI Implementation Tips AI tutors for homework help and test prep.AI learning platforms for personalized content.AI grading tools to save time and improve feedback.AI analytics to identify student needs.AI collaboration to facilitate teamwork. Educator Self-Care Strategies Set realistic expectations about integrating AI.Take breaks to recharge.Delegate tasks when possible.Don't be afraid to ask for help with AI! Implementing AI can be daunting, but staying informed and starting small can help you harness its power. Focus on using AI to augment your strengths, not replace you! What AI overwhelm reduction strategies do you recommend? Let me know!
AI: Your New Teaching Assistant - HoET233
Sep 25 2023
AI: Your New Teaching Assistant - HoET233
EdTech Thought Too Much AI? EdTech Recommendation Flixier - Make amazing videos with just a few clicks, collaborate in real-time, and publish in under 3 minutes with the fastest online video editor. Featured Content In today’s technologically advanced era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various facets of our lives, with education being a prime example. The incorporation of AI in education is a testament to the boundless opportunities available for enriching teaching and learning experiences. Here are compelling reasons why integrating more AI in education is essential: Personalized Learning: AI offers a tailored educational journey, addressing the diverse learning needs and paces of students, which traditional systems often overlook. It provides customized programs, AI-embedded games, and adaptive learning methods, ensuring every student comprehends concepts at their own pace, thereby promoting inclusivity and equity in learning. Task Automation: AI efficiently handles numerous administrative and value-added tasks, allowing teachers to concentrate on their core responsibility – teaching. It automates grading, homework checking, and report maintenance, thereby reducing educators' workload and enabling them to spend more time interacting with students and catering to their individual needs. Smart Content Creation: AI facilitates the development of innovative and captivating content and enhances learning through information visualization and digital lesson generation. It ensures that study materials are accessible and up-to-date, and available on any device, allowing learning to extend beyond the classroom. Adaptable Access: AI breaks down language and accessibility barriers, making education universally accessible. With features like multilingual support and AI-powered tools such as Presentation Translator, it provides real-time subtitles for virtual lectures, ensuring learning is convenient for everyone, regardless of language or impairment. Identifying Classroom Vulnerabilities: AI is instrumental in analyzing data to identify vulnerabilities and areas needing improvement in the classroom. This analysis allows for the implementation of targeted solutions to enhance the overall learning experience. Resources 31 Incredible AI Tools for Education You Need to Try Right Now!30 AI tools for the classroom https://ditchthattextbook.com/ai-tools/31 AI Tools Teachers Should Know About - https://www.weareteachers.com/chatgpt-alternatives/10 Best AI Tools for Education - https://www.unite.ai/10-best-ai-tools-for-education/ Just Give It A Try You can now connect Canva to ChatGPT if you're a premium ChatGPT user! This collaboration empowers you to seamlessly craft visually stunning and educational content, from presentations and posters to social media posts and documents. Whether you’re illustrating complex concepts, designing engaging lesson materials, or sharing classroom updates, the amalgamation of Canva’s extensive template library and ChatGPT’s versatile text generation makes it easier than ever. Just give it a try and watch your classroom experiences transform!
Techy Notes and Sticky Learning with Debbie Tannenbaum - HoET232
Aug 28 2023
Techy Notes and Sticky Learning with Debbie Tannenbaum - HoET232
Feedback & Shout Outs After this episode I will be returning to my regular every two-week release schedule. I hope you've enjoyed all the conversations I had at and related to ISTE 2023! Attend the Supes Choice Award Gala! EdTech Recommendation Hey listeners! Today, I want to introduce you to an incredible tool that's revolutionizing the way educators create content - QuestionWell. Whether you're a teacher, tutor, or just someone passionate about learning, QuestionWell offers a suite of features that make content creation a breeze. From automatically generating learning outcomes and essential questions to offering a wide range of export options, this platform has got you covered. And for those looking to take their content to the next level, QuestionWell's paid plan offers even more advanced features. So, if you're looking to save time and enhance your educational content, check out QuestionWell today! Featured Content Debbie Tannenbaum is an accomplished educator, tech enthusiast, and advocate for innovative learning. With over a decade of experience in the educational sector, Debbie has dedicated her career to integrating technology into classrooms, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills they need for the digital age. As a passionate believer in the power of technology to transform learning, she has led numerous workshops and training sessions for educators, helping them harness the potential of modern tools and platforms. Debbie's commitment to education extends beyond the classroom; she is an active blogger, sharing insights, tips, and resources with a broader audience. Her dedication to fostering a love for learning and her ability to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and new technological advancements make her a valuable asset to any educational institution.
Empowering Teachers with AI: Christie Cloud Talks Curipod - HoET230
Aug 14 2023
Empowering Teachers with AI: Christie Cloud Talks Curipod - HoET230
EdTech Thought Understanding and integrating technology in education is more than just using new tools; it's about tapping into their potential to enhance teaching methods. As teaching styles evolve, so do tech tools. Here's a quick guide: Identifying Potential: Each educator should discover the transformative power of tech tools available to them.Adapting Takes Time: Remember the initial struggle with projectors or whiteboards? Like them, mastering new tech requires patience.Choose What Fits: Not all tools align with every teaching style. Find those that resonate with you and your students.Trust Your Intuition: Each classroom and teacher is unique. Opt for technology that complements your teaching goals.Challenge Past Notions: Don't shy away due to previous tech setbacks. Shift your perspective from 'daunting' to 'empowering'.Unlock Possibilities: Leading educators are leveraging tech to redefine teaching. Don’t miss out on potential game-changers.Stay Current: Technology isn’t just the future of teaching; it’s the present. Optimize your teaching approach by embracing technology, understanding its potential, and integrating tools that enhance your classroom experience. Don't let apprehensions deter you. Embrace the present and future of education. EdTech Recommendation How to Cite AI in MLA "[prompt]" prompt. AI Tool & version (with date), Company, Date Accessed, General Link to AI Tool. Featured Content Christie Cloud chatted with me at ISTE Live 2023 all about Curipod! Curipod's mission: "For too long, education has been focusing on remembering, recalling and memorizing. We have seen the greatness of what a curious person can accomplish. We are on a mission to spark curiosity in peoples lives and make questioning everything something you do everyday, because it is fun and energising."
#EdTech Insights from School District Tech Leaders at #ISTELive23 - HoET226
Jul 9 2023
#EdTech Insights from School District Tech Leaders at #ISTELive23 - HoET226
Feedback & Shout Outs (1:24) It was great to meet so many new people and connect with old friends at ISTE Live 2023 in Philadelphia! EdTech Thought (4:13) Threads, a new social media platform developed by Instagram, is gaining traction among educators. It allows users to share text updates, join public conversations, and importantly for educators, link directly to resources. Despite early challenges with search functionality and account management, Threads holds significant potential for revolutionizing how educators connect and share resources. Takeaways: Threads provides a new avenue for educators to connect and engage in in-depth conversations, overcoming limitations of platforms like Instagram.Despite its early-stage challenges, such as a lack of support for hashtags and account deletion tied to Instagram, Threads' potential to transform educational resource sharing and networking is significant. Let's connect on Threads! EdTech Recommendation (9:16) Explore mmhmm, a dynamic and user-friendly tool that's revolutionizing virtual classrooms for K-12 teachers. mmhmm offers a suite of features designed to make online teaching more engaging and memorable. From presenting on-screen alongside any content to hosting interactive activities and discussions on video calls, mmhmm is compatible with platforms like Zoom, Meet, Teams, and Webex. Teachers can record lessons, design custom video sequences, and even add special effects to their presentations. Once a lesson is ready, it can be shared with students or published to a school's video library, with closed captioning options for improved accessibility. Available for Mac and Windows, mmhmm also offers web and studio versions for added flexibility. Featured Content (12:32) Crystal Samuels, John Terlecki, and Douglas Timm discussed their roles in their Delaware school district as instructional technology leaders. The team is in charge of instructional technology for a district of 14,000 students across 33 schools, and they cater to diverse student populations, including those with unique needs such as a school for the deaf, students with disabilities, and autistic-centric programs. They each emphasized the collaborative nature of their team, stating that they work well together because of their differing approaches and personalities. They stressed the importance of having a 'can-do' attitude, always striving to find ways to implement new ideas. Topics discussed include: Technology Education and SupportChallenging AssumptionsMicro CredentialingTechnology Adoption and FeedbackConnectivity House of #EdTech VIP (37:16) Nicole Lipps is a seasoned educator with a fervent passion for integrating digital tools and resources into the educational landscape. Her mission is to revolutionize the way we teach and learn, and she has a proven track record of successfully leveraging technology to enhance student engagement and achievement. Nicole takes immense pride in leading other educators on this transformative journey.
Apple Vision Pro: A New Dimension for K-12 Education - HoET225
Jun 11 2023
Apple Vision Pro: A New Dimension for K-12 Education - HoET225
Feedback & Shout Outs (1:20) I will NOT be taking a Summer break from the podcast! Rest easy knowing you will get some great content throughout the Summer! I can't wait to meet you at ISTE Live 2023 if you will be in Philly! EdTech Thought (4:39) While the notion of banning cell phones in schools might seem appealing due to concerns over distraction and misuse, it is worth considering the multitude of benefits these devices can offer in enhancing the learning environment. Cell phones can be exceptional educational tools, offering students access to a plethora of online resources, apps, and e-books, thus expanding their learning beyond traditional textbooks. In today's digital age, early exposure to technology through cell phones can cultivate technological literacy in students, preparing them for future opportunities. Additionally, cell phones can provide an essential bridge across the digital divide for students who lack access to computers or tablets at home, promoting a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. In the event of emergencies, cell phones offer an immediate communication channel, ensuring safety. They can also be instrumental in teaching students about autonomy, responsibility, and digital etiquette. Moreover, they have the potential to revolutionize teaching methods, as educators can incorporate interactive activities accessible via students' devices, promoting active engagement. While these benefits are significant, it's crucial to foster a disciplined and respectful usage of cell phones within the school environment. Rather than imposing an outright ban, schools could develop a comprehensive cell phone policy, focusing on teaching students how to use their devices effectively and responsibly. EdTech Recommendation (9:17) Check out Troy Reynolds on TikTok | TikTok Referenced In Episode & Part 2 At the end of the school year, teachers should take a few key steps to clean up their Google Classroom to ensure a smooth transition to the next academic year. Archive Classes: Once a class is over, you should archive it to keep your dashboard organized. Archived classes are still accessible for reference, but they don't appear in your active class list. Return All Work: Ensure all assignments have been graded and returned to students. This allows students to view their grades and feedback even after the class is archived. Download and Save Important Data: If there are important materials, grades, or student submissions you want to keep, make sure to download and save them elsewhere before archiving the class. Remove Old Class Materials: Clear out any unnecessary posts, assignments, or materials from the class page. This will make it easier to navigate in the future. Communicate with Students: Let students know when you plan to archive the class so they can download any materials or grades they want to keep. Plan for the Next Year: Consider what worked well and what didn't this year. Start preparing for the next year by setting up new classes, reusing posts or assignments, and updating your course material as necessary. Following these steps will not only make your Google Classroom more manageable, but it will also set you up for success in the upcoming school year. Featured Content (11:33) In this episode of the House of #EdTech, I delve into the transformative power of Apple's latest technological innovation, the Apple Vision Pro. This groundbreaking mixed-reality headset has immense potential to reshape K-12 education, introducing students to an immersive, interactive, and highly engaging learning environment. I explore the key features of the Vision Pro, from its advanced M2 and R1 chips for seamless computing and real-time sensor processing to its array of sensors and cameras that allow users to interact with digital content as if it were part of their actual surroundings. The EyeSight technology, which enables a sense of connection and presence, is also highlighted. The episode discusses the revolutionary impact of the Vision Pro on education, emphasizing its capacity to bring lessons to life, foster deeper comprehension, and create a more inclusive learning environment. The headset's ability to bridge the gap between online and offline students, transcending physical presence and geographic limitations, is also explored. You are presented with creative lesson plan ideas that leverage the Vision Pro's features across different grade levels. From virtual field trips to a zoo for elementary students to performing Shakespearean plays on a virtual stage for high schoolers, these examples illuminate the exciting possibilities for teaching and learning. This episode paints an exciting picture of the future of education, demonstrating how technologies like the Apple Vision Pro can open new avenues for creativity, exploration, and inclusivity in the classroom.